Cuthred of Wessex

Cuthred (also Cuthrid, Cuðred, Cuþred, Cuþræd, Cuthredus; † 756 ) was in the years 740-756 King of the Anglo Saxon Kingdom of Wessex.

Life

Family

Cuthred came from the House of Wessex, but his parents are unknown.

His predecessor Æthelheard is generally referred to in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle as his relative, while Symeon of Durham, a chronicler of the 12th century, looking at him as a brother. Probably both were very closely related to each other; may Æthelheard was his father. His successor Sigeberht was perhaps his son.

Rule

Cuthred first appears in a charter of his predecessor Æthelheard in 739 Cuthreds signature, immediately after the Æthelheards and before the " signum " of Queen Frithugyth. This lifted position makes it appear as designated successor Æthelheards. King Æthelheard died around the year 740 and his relative Cuthred was succeeded as king.

Wessex was the first time Cuthreds in a period of weakness and was at that time clearly in the shadow of mighty neighbors Mercia under King Aethelbald. The extent of the Mercian supremacy is unclear. Whether Cuthred was in the year 743 committed with Aethelbald in the battles against the Welsh for military service or an alliance was entered into was not delivered. In any case, confirmed Aethelbald a Charter Cuthreds in this country 744 in Somerset ( Wessex ) at Glastonbury Abbey sold. Also known as Cuthred renewed 745 old privileges of the abbey, Æthelbalds approval was required. In addition, Wessex was shaken by internal disputes, which the 748 Aetheling (such as " Prince" ) Cynric fell victim and the 750 led to a rebellion led by Æthelhun, which was unsuccessful, however. In both incidents, attempts to overthrow Cuthreds be seen.

Wessex seems to have gained a degree of autonomy from Mercia from 749. Cuthred exhibited charters, which have not been authorized by Aethelbald. Around this time Somerset and Wiltshire came back under the control of Wessex. To 750 rebelled against Cuthred Aethelbald of Mercia who had allied with the Piktenkönig Aengus I.. There were several battles. 752 to Cuthred leaned again against Aethelbald of Mercia. Eventually Cuthred the Mercier at Beorgforda ( Burford, Oxfordshire ) to put to flight. This Cuthred could completely drop the Mercian influence apparently. In the year 753, it apparently came to fighting against the British in Cornwall, the output of which is unknown. Cuthred died 756; Was succeeded by his relative Sigeberht.

Swell

• Anonymous: Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, Online in Project Gutenberg (English)
• Æthelweard: Chronica
• Symeon of Durham: De Regum Anglorum Gestis / Historia regum Anglorum et Dacorum
• Henry of Huntingdon, Thomas Forester The chronicle of Henry of Huntingdon: Comprising the history of England, from the invasion of Julius Cæsar to the accession of Henry II So, The acts of Stephen, king of England and duke of Normandy HG Bohn, 1853